A highly original example of the 2.0L 911T in RHD and rare Sportomatic specification
Number 534 of 928 911Ts built in 1968, only a fraction of which would be Sportomatic
Boasting a very low, verified mileage of 21,257 miles
Requiring some mechanical and an overall recommissioning due to lengthy stay in storage
The Appeal
The 911T (Touring) was introduced in 1967 as the new base model with a 2.0 litre, flat six boxer engine producing around 110bhp, effectively replacing the 912 in the model line-up. This car comes with the original ‘Sportomatic’ gearbox. There is a branch of the Porsche Club GB devoted to these models, such is their rarity. The Sportomatic is essentially a clutch less manual It employs a conventional torque converter coupled to a vacuum operated single disc dry clutch mated to a modified 911 four speed box. When the driver went to change gear with the gear lever, a switch would activate through a solenoid to activate the vacuum system which operates the clutch.
This example has much going for it despite requiring recommissioning. Firstly the 2-litre F-Type cars are becoming very hard to find indeed, let alone in original right hand drive form and ostensibly unrestored. Add to this the car’s miniscule and original mileage and the degree of its originality and you start to see what a rare and exciting ownership opportunity this car represents. 1968_Porsche_911_T-151.jpg3.79 MB
The History and Paperwork
This Porsche 911T is a UK supplied factory right hand drive car
It was first registered in the UK in February 1968
The car was sold by Porsche Cars in Isleworth, the UK agents at the time
The car was originally supplied in Bahama Yellow
The Sportomatic transmission of this car was first introduced for the ’68 model year
The car is one of only 44 Sportomatic cars imported to the UK in 1968
Today just 10 are registered with the UK Porsche Club, including this one
The car has been enjoyed by six previous owners since 1968
The previous owner kept the car for a full 25 years
In his ownership the car is understood to have been dry stored for an extended time
A mere 21,257 miles has been covered from new, verified by MOT history
The DVLA records note the colour of the car was changed in 1996
It is believed that its current Polo Red was professionally applied at that time
The respray is the only change of note made to the car
Today the car is a matching numbers example with an engine number of 2180110
The car is complete with a box file full of paperwork
This, of course, includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
The car also held an advisory free MOT which expired at the end of April 2023
The car is registered as a Historic Vehicle and so in MOT and VED exempt
There are many, mileage verifying earlier MOTs on hand
These cover periods 1989-2000, 2001-2002 & 2022-2023
Several cherished car underwriting agency valuation certificates are also included
A large number of invoices are also present
Some for small replaceable items and some larger trim pieces for example
A majority of these have been sourced from genuine Porsche parts suppliers and specialists
Such is the size of the archive that just a sample selection has been photographed
Originality is the most striking aspect of this 911s sublime cabin
Nothing non-standard or not adhering to original factory specification is noted
The only known replacement item is the luggage compartment carpet
With the passing of time, it is easy to forget how business like and focussed the 911’s cabin originally was. It is delightfully devoid of any unnecessary fripperies or anything that detracts from the enjoyment of the unique 911 driving experience.
The interior is in a fine original condition, with no rips, worn areas, stains or mismatching fabric noted anywhere. Even the carpet appears original and in a fine condition. It is known that the luggage area carpet is not original, however. The headlining is in good condition with no rips, tears, discolouration or sagging. The seats all round are in original condition and the tilt mechanisms are free and in good working order. The door cards are well presented with square Pioneer speakers set into them.
The dash is in good condition too with no cracks or damage to the plastics. The signature VDO white on black gauge set looks superb with just a slight ivory shade to the numerals betraying their vintage. The silver brushed aluminium insert for the dashboard is free from excessive scratching or damage and switches and knobs are in good condition. By way of a reminder, a chromed 911T badge is affixed to the passenger side of this aluminium panel. The steering wheel and gear lever are in original condition.
The only thing we note that speaks of the car’s 55-year history is that one of the knobs on the window winders is worn. The charming, expanding door storage bins are showing their age a little too. 1968_Porsche_911_T-118.jpg3.29 MB
The Exterior
This example is finished in bright Polo Red, understood to have been applied in 1996
The condition is very good but not concourse condition with the odd blister noted
The Fuchs black and polished alloy wheels are highly original and in great order
Standing beside an F-Type 911 reminds you of the diminutive footprint of the original and how much they have grown and expanded with the passing years. The purity of the car and its minimal and highly functional design shouts from every exterior detail of the car. An automotive object lesson in the “less is more” ethos.
The paintwork of the 911 has clearly been expertly applied and appears appropriately smooth and thick with no signs of its original Sahara Yellow in evidence. It is not without the odd minor blister here and there, such as in the nearside door shut and around the offside headlamp bezel. This is only obvious upon close inspection of course.
The chrome work is all in original condition and exudes a good, high shine. The cabin glass appears original with no chips, delamination or discolouration noted. The shut lines are tight and uniform as befits the impeccably engineered 911. Light lenses are generally good with just a little internal cracking noted in the rear units.
The Fuchs alloy wheels look diminutive by today’s standards in their 14-inch configuration. They are finished with polished alloy spokes with the inset elements painted in gloss black. It looks as if these may have been repainted at the same time as the bodywork, such is their condition. A mixed set of
Radial type tyres in 185/70 configuration are fitted. These appear to have a good level of tread remaining. 1968_Porsche_911_T-057.jpg3.46 MB
The Mechanics
The 911T is fitted with a two-litre type 901/13 six-cylinder, boxer engine
This is fitted with Webber carburettors and produced around 110 bhp
The Sportomatic gearbox is a clutch less adaptation of the four-speed manual
The 911T represented the entry level model of the 911 in 1968 and, as such, the power output form the boxer engine appears limited. Despite this the car’s light weight gave it competitive performance for the period with a top speed in excess of 120 mph and a 0-60 mph time of under 10 seconds.
In this example the engine does run, however, the engine bay wiring appears to need checking and recommissioning as required. The car has had new fuel filters and some remedial work has been carried out. The 911 could do with a more intensive and extensive going over, however, as it has not been used for many years and will likely need bringing up to standard. The gearbox and brake condition have not been tested since its last MOT in 2022 and, hence, can’t be verified.
The engine itself looks to be in good condition. There are no oil leaks, no signs of fluid on the ground or inside the engine bay either. The usual data plates are present, and some new parts can be noted. The underside of the 911 is in original condition, plenty of original underseal still in evidence. 1968_Porsche_911_T-194.jpg2.96 MB
Summary
Even if you’re not a dyed in the wool Porsche fan, there is something undeniably special about the 911 in its early, purist iteration. It is a no compromise sports car with a level of focus that has few peers. They are a driver’s car through and through and deserve to be driven and enjoyed. The trajectory of values of these early models would suggest that many agree.
This example is a pretty rare example of the breed, too. A short wheelbase, early model, UK specification, highly original, Sportomatic gear boxed 911 T. When did you last see one, if ever, and when are you likely to see another? This car took pride of place in a private collection for the last 25 years. It is a complete matching number car and an ideal project for someone to improve and enjoy.
It represents the earliest and arguably the purest form of the 911, the one that most diehard enthusiasts covet. With that in mind we cannot overlook the enormous potential for this car as a future investment as well as a highly rewarding and enjoyable drivers’ car, once recommissioned. We have no doubt this car will generate a great deal of interest so be sure not to miss out by bidding today.
